These are the most popular skincare ingredients in 2020

Are any of these in your skincare routine?

woman wearing hijab looking at herself in the mirror
(Image credit: Getty Images)

These days we're all seriously clued up about exactly what's in our skincare and, more specifically, what the current beauty buzzwords can actually do for our skin - from the non-comedogenic foundations that won't clog up our pores, to the best vitamin C serums for brighter skin.

Case in point: Lookfantastic has revealed the most popular skincare ingredients that online shoppers are Googling, and it makes for pretty interesting reading.

So, which came out in the top three? 

In third place is niacinamide, a great all-rounder that can help minimise the appearance of pores, even skin tone and smooth fine lines and wrinkles.

The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% and Zinc 1% | $7 (£5.30), Lookfantastic
£5.30 at LOOKFANTASTIC UK

The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% and Zinc 1% | $7 (£5.30), Lookfantastic

Just missing out on the top spot is hero hydrator hyaluronic acid, which is known for drawing moisture from the environment into your skin, and being able to hold up to 1,000 times its own weight in water.

The Inkey List Hyaluronic Acid Serum | $7.07 (£5.99), Lookfantastic
£5.99 at LOOKFANTASTIC UK

The Inkey List Hyaluronic Acid Serum | $7.07 (£5.99), Lookfantastic

And in first place it's none other than salicylic acid, known for its blemish-busting properties. A beta-hydroxy acid, this is an anti-inflammatory ingredient that helps to dissolve pore-blocking debris and calm angry breakouts.

CeraVe Smoothing SA Cleanser, $16 (£12),  Lookfantastic
£12 at LOOKFANTASTIC UK

CeraVe Smoothing SA Cleanser, $16 (£12),  Lookfantastic

Considering that the majority of us have experienced some kind of mask-related breakout this year, it's hardly surprised that salicylic has come out on top!

Keep reading for the full list of trending skincare ingredients below.

  1. Salicylic acid
  2. Hyaluronic acid
  3. Niacinamide
  4. Retinol
  5. Azelaic acid
  6. Glycolic acid
  7. Rosehip oil
  8. Shea butter
  9. Bakuchiol
  10. Vitamin C

Will you be adding any of these popular skincare ingredients to your routine?

Lucy Abbersteen

Lucy is a beauty journalist who has written for titles including Marie Claire, Cosmopolitan, OK!, woman&home and Women's Health, as well as regularly contributing to My Imperfect Life. Her work covers everything from skin and haircare tips to trying and testing the latest beauty launches, and interviewing celebrities and experts. A certified dog person, her other interests include mental wellbeing, books, piña coladas and not getting caught in the rain.